Assistive-Tech Connections: New Digital Products Target Needs of Autistic Children
By Ash, Katie; Education Week, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 28-31Publication Date: October 21, 2009
Article discusses computer-based assistive technology (AT) designed to facilitate communication between parents and teachers of children with autism and provide affordable, high-quality educational tools for those students: (1) TeachTown, an educational program which includes computer lessons, noncomputer activities, data collection features, and a communication system, provides feedback to teachers on activities and research-based teaching strategies and helps parents and teachers communicate more effectively about the progress of students; (2) AutismPro provides a database of resources, lessons, and intervention strategies for teachers of students with autism; (3) Videojug (http://www.videojug.com/), an online clearinghouse of how-to videos, and (4) Mind Reading, software that explores how to read and recognize other people’s emotions, are recommended resources for students with autism; and (5) the Autism Internet Modules, in development and available for free online (http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/), will ultimately contain 60 modules addressing issues such as characteristics and identification, research-based practices and interventions, and the transition from school into adulthood. The article also offers advice for teachers on finding teaching materials at AT loan libraries, mandated for every state under the Assistive Technologies Act, and pooling resources with other schools to create their own AT libraries.
Published by: Educational Projects in Education Inc. (Website:http://www.edweek.org/info/about/)
Link to text: http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2009/10/21/01autistictech.h03.html
